By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced that social media influencers Martins Otse, popularly known as Verydarkman (VDM), and comedian Freedom Atsepoyi, also known as Mr Jollof, will face sanctions following a physical altercation aboard an Asaba-Lagos flight on Monday.
In a post shared on X, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NCAA described the incident as “unacceptable behaviour” and stressed the danger it posed to passengers and crew.
“There is no tolerance for unruly behaviour aboard an aircraft. Both individuals will face the full strength of the law,” the spokesperson tweeted.
Highlighting the responsibility of the influencers, he added, “It is even more shameful when one considers both of them partners in educating their millions of followers to avoid unruly behaviour.”
The spokesperson noted that the airline should report the incident to the NCAA, stating, “The actions of both men put the safety of all other passengers and the crew at risk. It also put the safety of the aircraft at risk.”
He further stressed the regulator’s commitment to passenger education, explaining, “The NCAA has exerted a lot of energy and resources in educating passengers about the dangers of unruly behaviour and its consequences. In this case, no matter what led to the fracas, there is no excuse that makes it acceptable.”
Reports indicate that the incident stemmed from an ongoing online feud between the two men, which escalated into a physical fight inside the aircraft cabin. Passengers and crew intervened to restore order.
VDM later posted a video on his Facebook page, claiming he had confronted Mr Jollof during the altercation. His post reads, “I don chop Jollof father for inside the plane. He bite me, man wey de bite.”
The NCAA spokesperson stated that he is still waiting for details from the airline and its staff, but assured that a comprehensive statement would be issued once the information is confirmed.